In common usage, yeast infection usually refers to vaginal yeast infection. In fact yeast can actually infect different parts of the body.

Candidosis or candidiasis refers to infection by any species of the genus Candida. The fungi exist in the stool. They do not cause problems under normal conditions unless the system of the body is weak, then they can invade other parts of the body. Local invasion of the fungi may get into the blood stream. Normally this does not cause problems of any consequence but the same patients with overgrowth of Candida on mucosal surfaces and long-term intravenous lines often have serious underlying illnesses that are being treated with antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antineoplastic chemotherapy, and then the spread of the fungi through the blood stream may cause micro-abscesses in multiple organs. The micro-abscesses in the brain may develop meningitis.

Do not use tampons to avoid scratches. Use unscented sanitary pads and change them frequently.

Shower to wash off chlorine after swimming. Always dry the vagina area thoroughly.

Do not sit around in a wet bathing suit.

Do not use broad spectrum antibiotics indiscriminately, such as Keflex, Ceclor, Bactrim, Septra, amoxicillin, ampicillin, etc. These promote the growth of yeast by killing off the beneficial bacteria that help check the growth of yeast.

Eat food products that contain live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus.

Avoid eating too much sugar at one time.

Avoid using cow dairy product if you are lactose intolerant.

Avoid eating oils which have been extracted from their sources, like olive oil, peanut oil, palm oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil etc. Eat nuts that contain oil instead. Pure oils form a film in the digestive tract and slow down digestion, which creates fermentation and propagates yeast.

Wash dentures immediately after meals. Food particles attached to the dentures will provide food for the yeast to multiply.